Brian Sills to Lead THE SANTALAND DIARIES at KC Rep, 11/29-12/22

Brian Sills returns to Kansas City Repertory Theatre to star in David Sedaris' irreverent holiday comedy The SantaLand Diaries, about the merry misadventures of an out-of-work New York writer hired to play an elf named Crumpet in a Macy's SantaLand. The show is directed by the Rep's Producing Director Jerry Genochio and runs November 29-December 22 at Copaken Stage. Sills is well known to Rep audiences who cheered his performance as the emcee in the 2011 critically acclaimed production of Cabaret.

Familiar with his work in Cabaret, Genochio knew Sills could express both the humor and humanity of Crumpet the elf. "I wanted someone who could bring out the comedy and embody the heart of the character and his sense of melancholy," explained Genochio. "Brian is a strong actor and he saw the depth in the piece."

A multi-talented performer, Sills will join the post-performance party atmosphere at Copaken Stage. Genochio explains: "We are turning the theatre and lobby into a winter wonderland with cabaret tables, drinks, food and all kinds of holiday music before and after the show, including a great band, The Shenanigans. After his performance, Brian will come out and sing a set. The whole evening should be a fun and relaxing experience."

Sills' New York credits include The Machine (Park Avenue Armory and Donmar Warehouse, London), Lucky and Tough Times (Playroom Theater) and Himself and Nora (New York Musical Theatre Festival). He also toured nationally with the original cast of The Lion King and has acted at regional theatres across the country. Learn more about him at www.briansills.com

At the Rep, Genochio is currently directing Larry Shue's comedy The Foreigner and, last season, directed David Mamet's American Buffalo.

The SantaLand Diaries runs November 29-December 22 at Copaken Stage located at 13th and Walnut Streets. Tickets are now on sale for $20-$79. Kansas City Rep is also presenting A Christmas Carol for the 33rd year, November 22-December 26 at Spencer Theatre, 4949 Cherry Street. Tickets for

A Christmas Carol are $29-$90. For ticket and performance information, please call the Rep Box Office at 816-235-2700 or visit www.KCRep.org.